The state of Bowhunting

[Beendare]

I've heard some scuttlebutt lately that PSE is up for sale- Again. That their profits are down something like 60%. Same for Bowtech.

Personally I'm not surprised. The costs for a new bow and setup have skyrocketed.

 

[LostArra]

Bow hunting enlightenment:
- compound bow performance does not make quantum leaps every year
- even a 10 year old compound will kill animals
- the overwhelming reason for inaccuracy is not the bow
and of course:
- crossbows

 

[Elkhntr08]

I remember the PSE Mach 4 was $365 when it came out and I thought people were crazy. That bow had a lot of new technology. Now people are standing in line to pay $1,500 plus for a little tweak over last year’s model.
I don’t know where it’ll end, if it ever will. With social media driving pretty much everything that people do, I’m sure it won’t end soon.
I remember watching guys on the 3D course that had every gadget and couldn’t shoot for crap. Same with hunting. A guy starting out, watching YouTube tell him what to buy, ends up dropping 5k to get started.
Personally, I’ll keep buying last year’s model or used.

 

[RC_]

There is more competition in the bow market right now than there seems to have been in years (decades). Mathews continues to dominate and take share thanks to their marketing. Darton's recent rapid growth means they are taking share from others - and it probably isn't Mathews or Hoyt - so PSE, Bowtech, Elite, Prime have probably all felt some new pressure. PSE mainly focusing on carbon hunting bows that are ~$2K also can't be a sustainable long-term strategy.

I think there's also an element where the average person that is into archery and bowhunts is more "into it" than previous generations. If archery / bowhunting is someone's primary hobby, the cost of upgrading every couple years really isn't that bad compared to say buying golf clubs, paying greens fees, range time, etc. or spending money on aftermarket car mods, etc.

I don't disagree with what everyone else said previously, the average guy is better served by buying a lessons not a new bow, cost of archery gear has outpaced inflation (although not by as much as people think), a new bow doesn't kill a deer any more dead, technology definitely plateauing, etc.

 

[Taco John]

Yeah the manufacturers have turned it into a rape fest. Kinda like yeti, kuiu, sitka, et al.

 

[Donjuan]

I have a Mathews vxr I thought of upgrading but for $1400 what am I really gaining? And yeah for the guy starting out they could sink 2k in a hurry

 

[Blockcaver]

Still killing 'em with a 10 year old Prime Rival (solid limbs and twin track cams) that I get new string sets free for every couple years. Good stable bow that weighs about what some of the new "lighter" 35" A/A models weigh.

Rather spend my money on hunting than a new bow (or new truck). YMMV

 

[Taudisio]

I’ve decided my bow is too big, and wanted to replace it for a newer, smaller, lighter bow. I called the shop to see about consignment. His consignment rack is full, offered me 1/3rd of what I payed for a flagship bow in 2023, and tried to sell me on a $1700 bow. My big heavy bow isn’t THAT inconvenient and shoots extremely well. Even the car market isn’t that bad. I got offered 3/4 my purchasing price for my 12 year old truck.

 

[Elkhntr08]

I did buy a new F350 last year and a Rubicon this year, but they hold value. Why would I pay $1,500 for a new Hoyt when I can buy it 6 months later for $800? A friend of mine bought a Carbon Express when they first came out and paid the same as what I gave for a Kimber 84L. My Kimber is worth double and the bow is worth nothing.
It’s your money, but it won’t be if you don’t spend it wisely!